Bangladesh needs a smart grid system to keep the power supply stable: Energy Advisor

He said the government is also prioritizing battery storage systems

UNB

November 9, 2024, 5:30 PM

Last modified: November 9, 2024, 5:38 PM

Energy consultant Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was speaking at a seminar titled ‘The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Energy System’ at the United International University (UIU) in the city on Saturday (Nov 9). Photo: UNB

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Energy consultant Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was speaking at a seminar titled ‘The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Energy System’ at the United International University (UIU) in the city on Saturday (Nov 9). Photo: UNB

The electricity transmission system is facing new types of challenges as electricity consumption has changed radically over the years, energy consultant Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (Nov 9).

“To address the challenges, we must opt ​​for a smart grid system that will help maintain stability in power supply,” he said while addressing a seminar titled ‘The Role of Smart Grids in the Future Energy System’ at the United International University (United International University). UIU) in the city.

Chinese technology giant Huawei and UIU’s Center for Energy Research (CER) jointly organized the seminar to mark the inauguration of the first Solar Energy Lab with ESS facilities in Bangladesh at the UIU premises.

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This groundbreaking solar lab will provide world-class training and research opportunities in the renewable and sustainable energy sector.

Fouzul Kabir said the government is introducing renewable sources such as solar and wind energy: “Now we need to move towards the smart grid, which we are working on. We are also prioritizing battery storage systems.”

Under the chairmanship of UIU Vice Chancellor of Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, the event was also addressed by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Chairman of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC Prof. M. Rezwan Khan, and CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd Pan Junfeng, among others.

The Huawei-CER, UIU solar lab is funded by Huawei. One of the objectives of the facilities will be to carry out capacity building and human resource development activities.

Huawei and CER, UIU will jointly develop various course contents for organizing training that meets the objectives of the Bangladeshi market.

The course content also includes the latest research and technological developments in the field of renewable energy technology, digital energy and smart energy solutions.

Yao Wen said, “With the inauguration of the first solar laboratory with ESS systems at United International University, we are taking an important step toward empowering our youth in the sustainable energy sector.”

He said the initiative marks an important milestone in the China-Bangladesh partnership as we inaugurate the first solar laboratory with ESS systems at United International University.

Yao Wen noted that the collaboration not only reflects our commitment to enhance the development of local talent through Chinese investment, but also highlights the long-standing contributions to UIU’s Center for Energy Research in advancing the solar energy sector .

Pan Junfeng said, “We see Bangladesh initiating comprehensive plans to move away from fossil fuels by setting up solar power plants in the near future.”

In this light, it is worth mentioning that until December 31, 2023, Huawei Digital Power has helped customers in Bangladesh build more than 600 MW digital power plants, generating 437.5 million kWh of green energy and reducing CO2 emissions by 207,867 tons, which corresponds to planting 284,450 trees. , he added.

He said that as a leader in ICT and digital energy, Huawei and the country’s prominent energy research center, UIU’s Center for Energy Research, can jointly provide students and professionals with invaluable resources to learn, grow and upgrade contribute to the sustainable energy landscape. Solar lab.

Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of the Center for Energy Research (CER), UIU said: “Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector is rapidly evolving, with forecasts pointing to the creation of 3,000 to 4,000 new green jobs in the coming years as solar is becoming increasingly expensive. -effective.”

He said the country has experienced significant growth, adding a record 42 megawatts (MW) of new rooftop solar capacity in 2023 alone.

However, Shahriar said there remains an urgent need for practical training facilities to equip professionals and students with the necessary skills. This lab can play a crucial role in equipping our students and professionals with practical knowledge in this sector.

Center for Energy Research (CER) was established in 2010 at United International University with the aim of improving research in renewable and sustainable energy, its use and efficient management, and policy formulation through research and development.

CER, UIU have designed almost all solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids for rural electrification in Bangladesh.

CER is also one of the testing institutions of Solar Home System (SHS) equipment in Bangladesh for the certification of solar PV equipment according to IDCOL standard.